What is the average teacher salary in Maryland?

The average public-school teacher salary in Maryland is approximately $73,444 per year (source: Maryland State Department of Education / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.

How does Maryland teacher pay compare to the national average?

Maryland teachers earn about 7% above the national average of $68,469 (National Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24). Cost of living in your specific city plays a big role in how that translates to take-home value.

Do Maryland teachers get paid during the summer?

Most Maryland districts pay teachers on a 12-month schedule even though instructional time is ~10 months — the annual salary is spread evenly across the year. Some districts offer a 10-month payment option; check your district's HR for specifics.

What's the highest-paying school district in Maryland?

Pay scales vary district-to-district. Districts in higher cost-of-living areas typically offer higher base salaries. The "Top Hiring Districts" list on this page shows districts currently hiring across Maryland.

Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Maryland?

Yes. Almost every Maryland district uses a step-and-lane salary schedule: "steps" reward years of teaching experience and "lanes" reward degree level (BA, BA+15, MA, MA+30, etc.). Earning a master's typically adds $3,000–$8,000 annually depending on the district.

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2026 Salary Guide

Teacher Salaries in Maryland

Maryland teachers earn an average of $73,444 per year — 7% above the national average.

$73,444State Average

$47,000Entry-Level (BS)

#3National Rank

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Maryland Teacher Salary Overview

$47,000Entry-Level Salary (BS+0)Starting pay for new teachers with a bachelor's degree

$73,444Average Teacher SalaryState average across all experience levels and districts

$68,469National AverageNational Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24

▲ Maryland teachers earn 7% more than the national average (+$4,975)

How Maryland Teacher Salaries Work

Maryland has the third-highest average teacher salary in the nation. Montgomery County, Howard County, and Anne Arundel County are among the highest-paying districts in the country. Salaries are negotiated at the district level.

Key Factors That Affect Your Salary

Years of Experience (Steps): Salaries increase with each additional year of teaching service.
Education Level (Lanes): A master's degree, specialist degree, or doctorate earns a higher salary lane.
District: Each district sets its own salary schedule above the state minimum. Urban and suburban districts near major metro areas typically pay more.
Subject Area: Some districts offer bonuses or supplements for high-demand areas like special education, STEM, and bilingual education.

Additional context:

Maryland's Blueprint for Maryland's Future (2021) significantly increases education investment through 2032, with substantial teacher pay increases planned. The state benefits from proximity to the high-income D.C. metro area.

Top Hiring Districts in Maryland

These districts currently have the most open teaching positions on EduJobsBoard. Districts with more openings are often the most actively growing or have the most competitive pay.

Anne Arundel County Public Schools161 open positions Calvert County Public Schools143 open positions Frederick County Public Schools118 open positions Wicomico County Public Schools79 open positions Talbot County Public Schools75 open positions Caroline County Public Schools58 open positions Worcester County Public Schools51 open positions Dorchester County Public Schools43 open positions Allegany County Public Schools40 open positions Cecil County Public Schools29 open positions

882 total open positions across Maryland school districts.

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Maryland ranks #3 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?

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Ready to Teach in Maryland?

Before you start earning those salaries, you'll need a valid Maryland teaching certificate. Learn about degree requirements, required exams, and the certification timeline.

Maryland Certification Guide →

Ready to apply?

Browse current teaching positions in Maryland — apply directly on district sites.

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Data sources: Maryland State Department of Education / NEA 2023–24. Salary figures represent approximate state averages and minimums; actual pay varies by district, experience, and education level. For the most current salary schedules, consult your district's human resources department or the Maryland Department of Education.

Frequently asked questions about teacher salary in Maryland

What is the average teacher salary in Maryland?: The average public-school teacher salary in Maryland is approximately $73,444 per year (source: Maryland State Department of Education / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.
How does Maryland teacher pay compare to the national average?: Maryland teachers earn about 7% above the national average of $68,469 (National Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24). Cost of living in your specific city plays a big role in how that translates to take-home value.
Do Maryland teachers get paid during the summer?: Most Maryland districts pay teachers on a 12-month schedule even though instructional time is ~10 months — the annual salary is spread evenly across the year. Some districts offer a 10-month payment option; check your district's HR for specifics.
What's the highest-paying school district in Maryland?: Pay scales vary district-to-district. Districts in higher cost-of-living areas typically offer higher base salaries. The "Top Hiring Districts" list on this page shows districts currently hiring across Maryland.
Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Maryland?: Yes. Almost every Maryland district uses a step-and-lane salary schedule: "steps" reward years of teaching experience and "lanes" reward degree level (BA, BA+15, MA, MA+30, etc.). Earning a master's typically adds $3,000–$8,000 annually depending on the district.